Looking for a good way to use up the last of your basil or other herbs from the garden? Here is an easy and adaptable recipe that you can use to turn your summer garden herbs into a healthy seasoning to be used throughout the year.
Why make seasoning salt?
Store bought seasoning salt and spice blends are not only pricy, but usually are filled with preservatives and other ingredients. When you make these seasonings at home, you know exactly what is going into the final product, and can do it for a fraction of the price. Seasoning salt also makes a great little gift for family and friends.
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Homemade or DIY seasoning salt is also a great way to use up herbs in the garden that are dying back or about to go to seed. Drying herbs is certainly an option for storing them for use all winter long, but why not try something new that will bring a pop to many of your favorite recipes?
How to use seasoning salt
Seasoning salt can be used pretty much anywhere you would add table salt to a savory dish. Garlic breads, salads, meats, fish, pastas, cheese dishes, and eggs are a few ideas to get you started. I even added it to a savory bread recipe and it turned out amazing!
This salt blend is also known as finishing salt, meaning you can simply sprinkle the mixture on your food before you serve it. It pairs well with tomato and mozzarella, hamburgers, or even watermelon!
Seasoning salt ingredient list
- ½ cup packed basil (or any favorite fresh herb)
- ½ cup salt (preferably a coarse sea salt or kosher salt)
- 1 head of garlic (why not try growing your own fresh garlic this year?)
(This is the general guideline, feel free to play around with the amounts, depending on your preferences.) Here are some fun herbs for use with garlic:
- Rosemary (I’d use only 1/4 of a cup, since rosemary’s flavor is a bit stronger.)
- Thyme
- Oregano
How to make homemade seasoning salt or finishing salt
- Preheat the oven to 225 degrees.
- Separate garlic cloves and peel. Add garlic to a food processor and pulse a few times. Add the rest of the ingredients.
- Blend the mixture on a high speed till everything is finely chopped and incorporated.
4. Spread salt mixture on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, and bake until the mixture appears dry, about 30 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the parchment paper.
6. If needed, return to a dry food processor and pulse until desired consistency is reached.
How to store finishing salt
Store seasoning salt or finishing salt in an airtight container (I prefer to use glass when possible) at room temperature. (These swing top jars are air tight and perfect for gifting finishing salt to friends and family.)
For the best flavor use within 3 months. If you were careful to dry it completely, the seasoning salt will last much longer since the salt is a preservative.
Seasoning salt substitutions
- Onion
- Pepper
- Garlic
- Paprika
These are all popular flavors added to salt when making seasoning salt. There are plenty of other savories and herbs that may be growing in your garden such as rosemary, thyme, mint, sage, and parsley that will also work in this recipe (with or without the basil and garlic).
Maintain the salt to herb ratio and use your creativity to try different flavors that work for you and your tastes. I’d love to know in the comments below if you’ve tried other herb combinations or if you have a recipe where finishing salt is used.
Other fresh herb preserving
Garlic and Herb Seasoning Salt
Fresh herbs, garlic, and coarse salt come together in this easy recipe for seasoning salt or finishing salt. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up fresh herbs and to have a delicious add on to all of your favorite meals.
Ingredients
- ½ cup packed basil (or any favorite fresh herb)
- ½ cup salt (preferably a coarse sea salt or kosher salt)
- 1 head of garlic
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 225 degrees.
- Separate garlic cloves and peel. Add garlic to a food processor and pulse a few times. Add the rest of the ingredients.
- Blend the mixture on a high speed till everything is finely chopped and incorporated.
- Spread salt mixture on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, and bake until the mixture appears dry, about 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the parchment paper.
- If needed, return to a dry food processor and pulse until desired consistency is reached.
Notes
Use any fresh herb from the garden or grocery store in place of the basil.
Store your seasoning salt in a cool, dry place, sealed well.
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